New book: Handbook of Disaster Studies in Japan

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce the publication of our new volume, Handbook of Disaster Studies in Japan, edited by Paola CAVALIERE (University of Milan) and Junko OTANI (University of Osaka).

Outline

The evolution of disaster studies in Japan over the past three decades--together with shifts in disaster policy and broader societal processes--demonstrates that the empirical terrain of disaster research is changing. These transformations have fueled growing interest in the sociology of disaster as an interdisciplinary field. The novelty of this Handbook of Disaster Studies in Japan lies in its advancement to such epistemological evolution, offering examples of different and interrelated methodologies and diachronic macro and micro analyses. A major goal of this volume is to question the very understanding of a disaster as an event happening after a hazardous event. By broadening the lens, several contributions of this volume reveal how political decisions and socioeconomic processes generate disaster risk long before a hazard culminates in a disaster. This perspective also highlights the interconnectedness of hazardous events that may appear chronologically or spatially distant. 

Across its 40 chapters, a central theme and guiding theoretical lens is the recognition of the human element in disasters. This phenomenological perspective frames hazardous events as a litmus test for pre-existing socio-cultural conditions, including multi-level governance, political readiness, individual reactions, and the broader social, cultural, structural, environmental, and transnational dynamics within and beyond affected communities. The book contributes to critical disaster studies by interrogating how disasters are mediated in public culture, highlighting the interpretive and framing processes through which societies construct these events.

Japan is one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world, endowed with a wealth of experience in managing such crises. Researchers and practitioners globally have always displayed high expectations toward the knowledge and insights that this country can share. This collection aims to meet those expectations by providing a comprehensive look into the experiences and efforts with the purpose to reach beyond the Japanese-speaking community. Our collaborative efforts aim to offer fresh viewpoints and foster a broader exchange of ideas. We take pride in presenting this Handbook, which we believe will become a valuable resource for anyone engaged in disaster research.

The volume is now available through MHM Limited/Japan Documents for the Japanese and East Asian markets, and will soon be available worldwide through Routledge.

More information: https://www.mhmjapandocuments.com/copy-of-advent-of-sound-in-japanese

We hope you will find this volume a stimulating contribution to ongoing debates and research, and we would be grateful if you could share this announcement with your networks.

With best regards,

Paola Cavaliere